Page 100 of Queen of Ruin

Sweat gleams across my body, every muscle tightens and white-hot heat pools low in my gut. My bounces grow in speed, matching our frantic kisses and Diego’s arms slide around me in a warm, strong embrace.

My orgasm crests suddenly and every part of me tenses. My lips remain open, caught mid-kiss, while my core and pussy flex repeatedly through every ripple of ecstasy moving through me. Then, Diego moans so brokenly and heat rushes inside me along with the deep, pleased sensation that we came together.

I collapse down onto his chest, panting softly while our bodies twitch in unison and every deep, satisfied sensation rushing through me accumulates in a rush of overwhelming love in my chest.

“I love you.”

I don’t know who said it. Maybe we both did. It doesn’t matter.

What matters is we both know it’ll last us for the rest of our lives.

38

VALENTINA

“Inow pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!”

Cheers rise up from the pews and my heart soars as Ruslan finally leans in and sweeps Ivy backward, dipping her so low that the glitter on her wedding dress catches in the light. He kisses her deeply to the cheers and laughter of those around us and the soft calls of delight from the rest of the Suit.

Finally, after having to call off their wedding because of me and losing the two rings they had picked out together, Ruslan and Ivy finally tie the knot.

Tears gather in the corners of my eyes as I watch them kiss one another repeatedly, then I glance to the crowd and spot Diego immediately. He’s watching me with a warm, sweet smile on his face and as soon as I catch his eye, he mouths something at me followed by a cheeky wink.

Us next.

Isn’t that an exciting thought?

Everyone around me is beaming happily. Raven and Cassian linger near the back of the hall due to Raven’s hatred of public events, but she came, and that’s what’s important. Bradley is right up front with his gorgeous girlfriend, Zira, who dabs at her eyes and looks ready to drag Bradley to the altar herself.

Six months have passed since I rescued Diego from the Armenians, and every day with him has been a gift. Every inkling of doubt he had about whether he would be accepted by those I call family melted away one night when Ruslan faced several difficult choices about re-planning the wedding. Something I knew Diego could help with since not only did he have connections all over in the bar and entertainment scene, but also, one of the regulars at his old pub had a son who was more than happy to do the music for free. Exposure pays when they’re young enough and desperate enough to get noticed—though knowing Ruslan, he’s set money aside to pay the guy and his band after the wedding.

Flower petals drift through the air, music strikes up amid the cheers, and Ivy and Ruslan head down the aisle hand-in-hand. Ivy flashes me a warm smile with cheeks as red as the bouquet in her hand, then they’re swallowed by friends and several over-excited puppies.

Having almost completed my maid of honor duties, I step down from the small stage and make a beeline across the hall to Diego.

“Wow,” he grins when he spots me. “You look stunning. Purple is an insane color on you.”

“You think so?” I smile warmly and give him a little twirl. “I thought you’d like it.”

“I love it.” His arm moves around my waist and he draws me in, then lightly nudges his nose against mine. “Can I kiss you? Or will that ruin this masterpiece you’ve put together?”

“Everything’s water and smudge-proof,” I assure him, leaning up onto my tiptoes.

“That sounds like a challenge,” Diego murmurs, and a second later, he covers my mouth with his.

Winding my arms around his shoulders, I arch my body into his while pulling him close and hum softly into the kiss. “Well, later, you can try and test just how secure all my make up is,” I tease him, pecking his lips again. “But first, I have a surprise for you.”

“For me?” His eyes widen. “What is it?”

“You’ll just have to come with me and see.”

“Shouldn’t we go to the reception?” He glances off to the side while Bradley and Zira have taken over escorting the newlywed couple out of the town hall and toward the cars parked out front.

“It won’t take long,” I assure him. “They won’t miss us.”

“Are you sure? I heard never to mess with a bride on her wedding day, and you are the maid of honor. The last time you shirked your duties was kind of insane.”

“Shirked my duties?” I poke his chest as we part. “Is that what we’re calling it?”